Many people feel guilty when they are overweight because they think it is a lack of discipline and willpower that caused them to gain weight. They can easily get self esteem problems if they feel they are not attractive anymore, or that they look bad, no matter what they do. There is definitely something to be said about self discipline, and willpower because there are other factors as well.
Models – unhealthy food regimes
The most damaging one in my opinion is the portrayal of underfed women as the embodiment of beauty. In reality, these models go through unhealthy food regimes that affect their metabolism. If you ever see a close up of one of these models, you will notice that she is wearing tons of make up because malnutrition shows a lot on the skin.
Following a low carb diet
If you want to lose weight in a healthy way, I personally recommend following a low carb diet because these diets are healthier than just starving yourself for the sake of thinness. Certainly, it is much better if a health specialist is consulted before undertaking a low carb diet.
Different kinds of low carb diets
Low carb diets normally are split in two different kinds, depending on how fast you want results, your health condition and how much sacrifice you are willing to make.
1) The first group of low carb diets aim to reduce only simple carbohydrates. Sugar, cakes, pastries and candies are examples of foods that contain simple carbs. These unfortunately make you gain weight because their simpler composition makes them go through the metabolism process of the liver much faster. Carbohydrates contain energy, and because they are metabolized faster, the energy that is not used right away is stored as fat. We hardly ever reach the high levels of physical exercise that would need all that energy liberated so fast by simple carbs, the organism stores it as fat for future use.
2) The second group of low carb diets aim to reduce both simple and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are included in sweet foods that do not necessarily contain sugar, like diary products and fruits. These complex carbs have much more complex molecular chains that take longer to break down by the liver, therefore releasing the energy included in them at a much lower rate. Certainly a sedentary life requires energy at a slower rate than an active life; this rate of energy release is more appropriate to it. This certain type of low carb diet is more extreme and it cannot be held for long.
Ultimately, no low carb diet should eliminate carbs completely, as they are the main source of energy that we have.